DNC Pledges $50 Million for Midterms

ABC News' Teddy Davis reports: A Democratic Party official confirms that the DNC will contribute over $50 million in cash and services for the midterm elections (House, Senate, and gubernatorial races). In making this announcement about the DNC's plans, Democrats are hoping to strike a contrast with the RNC which has struggled to reassure some donors in the wake of the Voyeur controversy. White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina met at the DNC at 6:00 pm ET yesterday to inform Hill leaders. The two huddled with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen. (Speaker Pelosi was not available). According to the Democratic Party official, the DNC is promising to provide "an unprecedented amount of cash and field, with a special emphasis on base turnout — youth, African Americans, Latinos and first-time voters." President Obama played a big role in turning out first-time voters in 2008 and is hoping to turn them out again in 2010. Obama raised $2.5 million for the DNC at two Miami events yesterday (including a $30,400-a-couple reception at the home of Gloria and Emilio Estefan), and has agreed to other dates for the campaign arm of House and Senate Democrats (the DCCC and the DSCC). Obama and Vice President Biden will also do direct-mail and e-mail solicitations. DNC payments, which were first reported by Politico, start in June. The split between cash and field is still being negotiated.